The government certainly has the duty and responsibility to strengthen our external defence in this time of global uncertainty. But for it to decide to purchase 64 Polish combat tanks at the cost of RM1.1 billion is rather shocking. It does not seem to be a right decision in terms of resource allocation.

Poland is a flat country without any natural barriers like high mountains or deep sea to protect its borders. It is located on a plain. Historically, it had been repeatedly attacked on the west by Germany and on the east, by Russia. It is strategically vulnerable on land warfare. Thus, it needs combat tanks that operate best on plains, and tanks perform best in that geo-strategic setting.

However, Malaysia is a maritime and mountainous country with Sabah and Sarawak separated from the peninsula by South China Sea. We do not have flat plain. Thus, the best order of battle (Orbat) in any conventional war of defence and offence should principally be supported by the navy and air force, not army or armoured infantry. Seen in this context, the purchase of those 64 Polish tank is not the best and the most efficient allocation of defence resources. In simple terms, it is a waste.

The resources should have been used to strengthen the navy and air force to protect the integrity of Malaysia's maritime territory, especially our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The government should have consulted more opinions in the defence and security communities before making such a decision that make our defence policy and strategic planning the laughing stock of the world.